In a 2021 plebiscite, the city of Calgary voted to approve Water Fluoridation across the city. However, almost two years later, there has been little progress made. Now, a new memo suggests further delays are ahead, with the expected cost also increasing hugely. Given the oral health benefits of water fluoridation, the hope is that construction will commence soon.
A recent memo from Calgary city administrators has revealed that the cost for Calgary to reinstate water fluoridation will actually be significantly higher than expected. Moreover, the process is also going to take longer than originally planned [1].
The news has resulted in disappointment for many. Furthermore, it may result in the oral health of Calgarians suffering due to the delay.
What is water fluoridation?
Water fluoridation refers to the process where small quantities of the natural mineral fluoride is added to the public water supply. Many countries adopt this practice.
The main benefit of water fluoridation is to oral health, with research consistently showing that water fluoridation is positive for oral health – especially for children [2].
While many support water fluoridation, it isn’t popular universally. Many countries – whether it be for health or ethical concerns – have banned water fluoridation.
Water fluoridation in Calgary
Water fluoridation is a contentious topic in Calgary. In fact, there have been numerous votes and plebiscites for Calgarians to decide whether or not to introduce fluoride to the public water supply – making a vote on the topic somewhat of a time-honored tradition in the city.
In October 2021, a plebiscite on re-introducing fluoridation to the municipal water supply was held. The “yes” vote won, with a 62% majority in support of fluoride being reintroduced to the public water supply [3].
With this vote, the city of Calgary began the process of implementing water fluoridation, with the aim of its introduction to be in June 2024. However, progress has stalled.
The latest updates
A recent memo from the city administration has shown that the upfront cost of fluoridation has risen from $10.1million to $28.1million – representing a colossal increase [1].
The memo explains that the new cost comes after the project has been fully-designed. This includes a construction of a new building located at Bearspaw Aayer Treatment Plant – which had originally not been part of the plan [1].
Furthermore, increases in material costs, maintenance costs and inflation have all been taken into account. Therefore, these various elements have resulted in the cost increasing.
Moreover, the memo also suggests that the expected time of completion has also been delayed. The current proposed completion date is September 2024 – which is three months after the original completion date [1].
These developments are rather disappointing for those that voted in favor of water fluoridation. While delays in a project of this magnitude are common, the enormous rise in cost is concerning.
Is more urgency needed?
Many have suggested that the city’s council needs to act more urgently. Juliet Guichon is the president of Calgarians for Kids’ Health [1]. She has pointed out that a lack of fluoride in the public water supply impacts the oral health of everyone – with children from poorer backgrounds affected the most [1].
Guichon has said that when children have good oral health, “they don’t have trouble sleeping, eating, playing, concentrating, [and] attending school” [1]. Therefore, she has pointed out that water fluoridation is crucial for both oral and physical health.
Additionally, Guichon has argued that the wider healthcare system in Canada will benefit from water fluoridation. She says that fluoridation “reduces dental decay by approximately 25%”, which subsequently results in lower medical costs for both patients and the city [1].
What are the next steps?
The updates from the memo are rather disappointing. However, Calgary does remain on track to receive fluoridated water eventually!
The Calgary City Council will soon be awarding the construction contract to a company that will carry out the works. Then, work will begin, with the hope that in approximately 12 months, fluoridated water will be ready for Calgary.
Thinking points…
1) Whether you are in an area that has fluoridated water or not, remember that oral health is crucial! An important part of looking after your teeth is attending regular dental appointments. This provides a dentist with the opportunity to take a look at your oral health in detail and give advice. It is important to see a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!
2) If you are in an area that utilizes fluoridated water, remember that this doesn’t give you an excuse to neglect your oral health! You still need to clean your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste, have a healthy diet, and attend dental appointments! Some people are unaware of the benefits of fluoride, you could share this article with them now! If you have children, you could also use this news as a reminder of the importance of them looking after their oral health.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Di Donato, N. (2023). City of Calgary’s plan to reintroduce fluoride into water system up in cost, delayed. Available: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/city-of-calgary-s-plan-to-reintroduce-fluoride-into-water-system-up-in-cost-delayed-1.6486569. Last accessed: 11th August 2023.
[2] Harding, M. A., & O’Mullane, D. M. (2013). Water fluoridation and oral health. Acta Medica Academica. 42 (2): p131-139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.81.
[3] Elections Calgary. (2021). 2021 Results – Calgary General Election. Available: https://www.calgary.ca/election/results/2021-results.html. Last accessed: 11th August 2023.
